I first started visiting Houston’s Memorial City Mall at fourteen—yes, I was an eleventh grader then, but that is another story, and it doesn’t involve any intelligence on my part.
Back then, the mall was small and simple enough to walk from end to end—okay, it was really shaped like a right triangle. Today, it is enormous, with an ice-skating rink, a movie theater, a lot of seating, and a food court that stays super busy even as other malls fade or get torn down.
Walking through the mall again today stirred something in me—a gentle pull of memory and a reminder of how faithfully God has carried me through every season.
Today, I remembered…
The one and only maternity store, where I bought two of my “big dresses” and dreamed of tiny fingers and toes.
Foley’s at Christmas—now Macy’s—it felt magical then.
Sears was full of bargains—and clothing racks where my four-year-old nephew, now forty-five, once “got lost” while I babysat him. I totally freaked out.
Montgomery Ward—the place to buy appliances built to last.
The 5-7-9 Store. Once, I bought a shorts-and-top outfit there that I knew my parents would never approve of, so I smuggled it in and out in my purse whenever I wanted to wear it. I would never have let my own daughter leave the house dressed as I was! Then one day, the outfit disappeared. I think Mom found the outfit. But now, what you might be thinking: Why confess now? Because it’s just a memory now!
My children begged to visit Build-A-Bear and make a keepsake bear. But because we could not afford it, I usually steered us to the other side of the corridor when we passed.
Every so often, though, we could afford the Merry-Go-Round. I can still see all three children smiling as their horses circled.
Then came the double-stroller days: two children tucked into the stroller while the youngest toddler insisted on pushing the older two.
And more recently, the jewelry store where my husband bought me a beautiful ring guard as a gift, after years of us living at my mom’s home.
Oh, and how can I forget the Piccadilly!
I treasured those years as a stay-at-home mom, and I have lots of memories from those days.
And then… Abercrombie
Abercrombie was not there when I first started visiting the mall. When it finally opened, I was in my super-conservative phase. Between the loud music, the cologne you could smell from ten stores away, and the provocative posters, I honestly thought walking by their storefront window might be such an awful sin.
It starts with the Word
That makes me laugh now. As we mature, our perspectives change. We grow. God gently loosens our grip on some beliefs we once held so tightly—while still staying within the bounds of “correct” doctrine. Don’t think I turned liberal-I’m about as conservative as they get, but not as staunch, if that makes sense.
Still, those memories are part of my story.
McDonald’s with Dad
When the mall built a food court, Dad always wanted to stop there. We would eat, and people-watching was one of his favorite things, especially as he aged and did not get out much. It was simple time together, watching life pass by, and those moments stay with me.
The People
Walking the mall with high school friends, feeling grown-up and free.
Food-court lunches with Mom, Dad, and Aunt Mary.
The small hospital nearby—Memorial City Hospital—where two of our children were born.
The Frostwood Bank across Gessner Rd.
A lifetime of seasons tucked into every corner.
Why Do We Hold on to Memories?
Barna’s research suggests that nostalgia anchors us. It reminds us that our lives have meaning, God has been faithful, and our stories matter. The research also indicates that reflecting on the past with gratitude can strengthen spiritual resilience.
[In most cases, I would say, but not all! PG]
In other words, looking back can help us move forward with hope, but it can reverse that when we look back with regret.
Memories hold both sweetness and sorrow.
Moving forward does not mean erasing the past. As hard as it can be, it means letting God guide our hearts so we don’t get trapped there by ruminating on past days or past desires. Ruminating is unbearable! Believe me.
From what I have experienced, retirement or a slower pace can leave more time to think about the what-ifs—the things we wish we had done, tried, or hadn’t done. Even then, God cares about us and wants us to receive His love. He knows our heart’s desires, and He always knows best. He knows every moment, loves us, and desires His presence with us. But it still doesn’t stop me from asking for “His favor” sometimes!!!
Today’s walk through the mall was a pleasant journey into my memory: recalling the good, laughing at the funny moments, and thanking the Lord for His faithfulness through every shop, aisle, season, and year.
Bible Verses for Looking Back and Looking Ahead
“Remember the wondrous works that He has done.”
1 Chronicles 16:12
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”
Philippians 3:13
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege of looking back on the pleasant things we remember as we grow up. You are always putting new adventures and circumstances into our lives. You bless us so much. Thank you. Let us laugh and rejoice in the happy memories of the past, and help us find peace and comfort in the memories we regretted or that shook us up. I will be grateful today for all you do and all you have done. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Journey and Calling
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About This Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.
Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:
Week 3 – Journey and Calling – This blog Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry – Being Single in Ministry Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together – Be Inspired Week 6 – Reflection and Encouragement – Be Encouraged: You’re Not Walking Alone Week 7 – Friendship and Connection – Enjoy Christ-Centered Friendships
GLORY’S JOURNEY AND CALLING, Week 3
Q. When did you first feel called into ministry?
A. From the time I gave my life to Jesus and through my friendship with Jonathan, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life serving God, so I knew ministry would be my life and my life would be ministry.
Q. What moments or experiences confirmed that calling for you?
A. In those early days of faith after I gave my life to Jesus, I was deeply in love with God and His Word. I was eager to share His Word and His love with everyone I met. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life serving Him. God also gave us—God and me—the gift of healing. I would pray for people, and He would heal them. I remember friends comparing me to a well-known Christian evangelist at the time. As a new believer, I did not know much about her, but I knew she served the Lord and had a ministry marked by bold acts of faith. So yes, I looked forward to serving God for the rest of my life as a full-time minister.
Life is a Journey
Q. How has God surprised you along the way?
A. Even though I was studying engineering at the time, my dream was to serve God in full-time ministry. How God has surprised me along the way is that He made clear then that He wanted me to continue in my field as an engineer, to continue in my work while serving Him with all that I am and all that I have. It is totally different from what I had thought because I wanted to go to Bible school and go into full-time ministry, but God held me back from going to Bible school. He did not want me to go. He wanted to teach me on the path of walking with Him and how He wanted me to serve Him in the way He wanted me to serve, in the places He wanted me to serve Him. What He’s done is provide opportunities for me to serve Him through my job. My job has provided opportunities for me to travel to different parts of the world where I go to work, and I am serving God outside of the church or with people that typically will not go to church. I have been blessed with opportunities to take people who have never been to church to church for the first time. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to lead people to Christ in huddle rooms, in corporate offices. I have joined people in holy matrimony and done all kinds of things for God at work, in places where God is not typically preached. And that is not by hitting everybody on the head with the Bible, but by walking with Jesus and letting people see my walk with God and reach out to me to be a part of their life and their journey. Those are ways I have been able to serve God. Also, my work has provided me with the means to do the things God wanted me to do, like publishing my books, going on mission trips, among others, and paying for things that people typically look for others to support them with. I have been able to support myself and pay for those things without having to look for external support.
Fact:
While Glory worked full-time as an engineer, I could never describe her as someone in part-time ministry. Knowing Glory, I have seen that ministry is not something she turns on and off depending on the setting; it is woven into who she is. She carries the presence of the Lord with her into her workplace, into conversations, into ordinary routines, and even into her weekends. Her faith is not reserved for church walls. God is on her mind throughout the day, and because of that, He has used her in places where some people may never have had the opportunity, interest, or courage to attend a church service or Christian gathering. Glory’s life reminds me that ministry can happen in conference rooms, offices, work trips, casual conversations, and quiet acts of obedience. She is well respected, sincere, dependable, and hardworking, but what stands out most is her genuine love for God and her desire to let others see Him through the way she lives.
Bible Verse:
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12 NKJV).
Next Week: Singleness and Ministry
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Welcome to my NEW Blog Series Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory
If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.
About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.
Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:
• Week 2 – Early Life and Faith – This Blog
• Week 3 – Journey and Calling
• Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry
• Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together
• Week 6 – Reflection and Encouragement
• Week 7 – Friendship and Connection
EARLY LIFE AND FAITH, Week 2
Q. What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your walk with the Lord?
A. My childhood was very interesting and very adventurous. One of the things that shaped my childhood, as well as my religion, is that my dad, growing up, was my best friend. I was very close to him, and after I gave my life to Jesus, coming from a Catholic family, my family did not accept it. When I would not give up my faith, I was disowned by my family. This hurt my relationship with my dad and my heart, so I turned all of that attention and affection that I once shared with my dad to God. That is how I understood the father-child relationship with God, because I had grown up with my father. I never struggled to see God as my father, and it shaped my faith and my walk with God.
Q. When did you first sense God drawing your heart toward Christ?
A. I think I always sensed God calling me to leave everything for him and serve him. I think I always knew that I would serve God with all that I am and all that I have for as long as I live, so it’s something I’ve always known from the time I gave my life to Jesus.
Q. Who were the people who most influenced your faith growing up?
A. One person who had the greatest influence on my life and my faith in those early days was a guy called Jonathan. We were in the same fellowship, and he had such an infectious love for God that he would read the Bible every day, going from class to class, preaching the gospel, and singing at the top of his voice, telling everybody about his love for Jesus. I just loved the way he loved God, and we became very close friends. So he had the greatest influence in my life because I remember at some point some of my friends in fellowship said, “You remind us of Jonathan,” I always loved to sing and was always singing.”
And, I was always with my Bible, and I would go around preaching the word of God in all my classes. Yeah, the greatest influence in my early Christian life was Jonathan.
Fact:
Ever since the day Glory stepped into my life—thirteen years ago now—I’ve watched her walk with a faith that never wavers. I’ve seen it in quiet moments, in hard seasons, and in the way she speaks about Jesus with such natural joy. Her faith strengthens mine. Her courage encourages me. And she remains one of the truest examples I know of someone who loves to share Christ with the world.
Friendship Fun in Central Texas, 2019
Bible Verse:
“Be steady, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
Next Week: Journey and Calling
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Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, set judges throughout all the fortified cities of Judah and said to the judges, “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.”
Judges
Sometimes, when I’m unsure how to pray for someone who must make a difficult decision, the Lord gently shows me a pattern in His Word. As I was reading 2 Chronicles 19–20, I wasn’t trying to teach anything—just quietly seeking the Lord and asking how to pray for those who carry responsibility. In those verses, I began to notice a simple, Scripture‑shaped way to lift them up before Him, and I’m sharing it only in hopes that it might help someone else.
1. Pray for God’s judgment and will — When discernment is needed, ask that God’s will and true judgment guide the person’s decision-making process.
2. Pray for the person to be faithful and loyal — Ask the Lord to help the person act in faith with a heart loyal to Him.
3. Pray for freedom from guilt — Pray that the one making the decision will not carry guilt or condemnation as they choose the path that is right before God.
4. Pray for courage — Ask the Lord to give courage as the decision is made, because He is with those who seek to do what is right.
5. Pray for Holy Spirit guidance — Pray that the Holy Spirit leads the person in each step of the decision‑making process.
6. Pray against fear — Ask that the person will not be afraid or dismayed, remembering that the battle is not theirs, but God’s.
7. Pray for a steady, waiting heart — Pray that they stand still and watch for the salvation of the Lord.
This gentle pattern also reminded me that every decision we might need to make can rest peacefully in God’s hands, teaching us to seek Him with the same trust we pray for those who must choose wisely.
2 Chronicles
Bible Verse: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed, because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
2 Chronicles 20:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I seek to know your wisdom, please give me discernment for your guidance and peace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Coming Soon:
Luke 2: The Christmas Story, a short devotional book where you can discover the birth of Jesus in Scripture. To be published soon. I’ll let you know when;-) By Patti Greene!
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Many people use words—sometimes called “Christianese”—that can be confusing. Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are opening it for the first time, no question is too small. God meets each of us right where we are. My prayer is that this list will help you and others understand the terms believers often use in daily life.
Words About Faith
Sin — Anything we do that goes against God
Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned…”
Repent — Turn to God, through Jesus
Acts 3:19 — “Repent…that your sins may be wiped out.”
Believe — Trust Jesus with your life
Acts 16:31 — “Believe in the Lord Jesus…”
Faith — Choosing to trust God even when we can’t see
2 Corinthians 5:7 — “We live by faith, not by sight.”
Saved — Made right with God
Romans 10:13 — “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Lost — Far from God; needs a new life in Jesus
Luke 19:10 — “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Gospel — The good news about Jesus
Romans 1:16 — “It is the power of God for salvation.”
Born again — Given a new life through Jesus
John 3:7 — “You must be born again.”
Justified — God forgives us and makes us right with Him
Romans 5:1 — “We have been justified through faith.”
Sanctified — God growing us to be more like Jesus
1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “This is God’s will…your sanctification.”
Redeemed — God bought us back and made us His own
Ephesians 1:7 — “In Him we have redemption…”
Words About the Church and Bible
Scripture — A verse or passage from the Bible
2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God‑breathed.”
Covenant — A promise God makes and keeps
Jeremiah 31:33 — “I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Disciple — A person who follows Jesus
Matthew 28:19 — “Make disciples of all nations.”
Discipleship — Learning to follow Jesus day by day
Matthew 28:20 — “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded.”
Fellowship — Spending time together in Christian friendship
Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves…to fellowship.”
Quiet time — Time alone with God
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”
Devotional — A short reading that helps us think about God
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet.”
Trinity — One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19 — “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Words About Spiritual Growth and Prayer
Intercede — Pray for someone else
Romans 8:34 — “Christ Jesus…intercedes for us.”
Anointed — Chosen and helped by God
Luke 4:18 — “He has anointed me…”
Calling — The work God wants you to do
Ephesians 4:1 — “Walk worthy of the calling you have received.”
Spiritual warfare — The battle between God’s truth and the enemy’s lies
Ephesians 6:11 — “Put on the full armor of God.”
Fruit of the Spirit — The good things God grows in us
Galatians 5:22–23 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Walk with God — Live each day with God
Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit.”
Words About Church Practices
Communion — Remembering Jesus with bread and juice, wine
Luke 22:19 — “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
Baptism — Showing on the outside what Jesus has done on the inside
Acts 2:38 — “Be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Testimony — Your story of what God has done in your life
Acts 4:20 — “We cannot help speaking about…what we have seen and heard.”
Worship — Showing love to God with our words, songs, and lives
Psalm 100:2 — “Worship the Lord with gladness.”
Compiled by Patti Greene, January 25, 2026
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We all have moments when questions are deep within us—moments when our faith feels weak, prayers feel unanswered, and our future feels uncertain. I know I have. But in those moments, God’s Word speaks. The Bible reminds us that we’re not alone and that the Lord is always working, and He loves us.
Let’s walk through five questions many of us have asked—and let the Bible answer them. Then, consider spending a devotional time over the next five days, using these thoughts and Bible verses as you talk to God.
1. Have you ever wondered how to truly grow your faith?
Faith doesn’t grow by accident—it grows through time spent in God’s Word.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NASB)
Let your heart be fed by His truth. Open your Bible, go to church, listen to biblical sermons, and let faith rise within your spirit.
2. Have you ever felt like your prayers weren’t making a difference?
Even when God is silent, your prayers are heard.
“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16 (NASB)
God hears us. Keep praying. Our words are not wasted—they are breakthroughs.
3. Have you ever thought about the legacy you will leave behind?
Legacy is built in the daily choice to speak of God’s goodness and His love for us.
“We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.” Psalm 78:4 (NASB)
Tell your story. Share His faithfulness. Your legacy begins now.
4. Have you ever felt unqualified for what God wants you to do?
God doesn’t wait for perfection—He calls all of us with purpose and grace.
“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” 2 Timothy 1:9 (NASB)
Jesus doesn’t save us because of what we’ve done, but because of who Christ is.
5. Have you ever stepped out in faith despite fear?
Faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s trusting in God. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
One of the prayers I pray often is “Help Me.” I need to remember that he has already said He will. How about you?
Today, let us summarize a pericope from James 1:5-8.
Did I catch your attention with the word “pericope”? It is not a common word used outside of theological studies, but I will share my new vocabulary with you since I recently learned its meaning. Oxford Lexico defines a pericope as “an extract from a text, especially a passage from the Bible.” ¹
So, let’s move on!
JAMES 1:5 SAYS
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
We all encounter trials! That is why we need wisdom. We must ask God for wisdom. Why? Because He gives it to us liberally and without reproach. Reproach means “disapproval or disappointment.”
In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you?”
And Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”
God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,
wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you. (2 Chron 1:7-12 NASB).
JAMES 1:6 STATES
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
If we do not believe God will give His wisdom to us, James compares us to a wave of the sea tossed by the wind. We need to be solid and firm, not insipid about our faith.
JAMES 1:7-8 CONTINUES
For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James calls the one who does not believe he will receive wisdom from God a “double-minded man.” Some scholars call him a “double-souled man.” James also says that such a person should not expect anything from the Lord. What a tragedy when God wants to give us the best life possible by emulating Himself!
SOLOMON AND THE BABIES
In 1 Kings 3:16-28 (CEV), Solomon, a man of wisdom, had to make a difficult decision.
Two women came to him, and the first woman told him that she lived alone in the same house with another woman. This woman had a baby boy, and three days later, the second woman also had a baby boy. While they were sleeping, the second lady rolled over her baby, and he died. Then, she got up and took the first woman’s son out of her bed and put the dead baby next to her.
As you can imagine, the first woman saw the dead baby in the morning and knew it was not her son. In front of King Solomon, they continued arguing back and forth.
The king said, “Someone bring me a sword.” When a sword was brought to Solomon, he ordered that the living baby be cut in half, so each woman could have a part of the baby.
The real mother screamed, “Your Majesty, I love him very much, but give him to her. Just do not kill him.” The second woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have the baby.”
With all his godly wisdom, Solomon said, “Don’t kill the baby.” Pointing to the first woman, he declared, “She is his real mother. Give the baby to her.” And all Israel was amazed when they heard how Solomon wisely made his decision.
This kind of wisdom is possible for us as well. I experienced God’s wisdom when I asked Him for it early in my spiritual walk.
MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH PRAYING FOR WISDOM
Back in the 1970s I was an elementary-grade teacher in the Fort Worth, Texas school system. Each spring, teachers selected by the district to be retained had to decide whether to sign a new contract, confirm their agreement to stay for the upcoming school year, or not sign and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Before me was the question of whether to stay in Fort Worth, or move to Houston. It was my first encounter with genuinely seeking God’s wisdom.
On April 1, 1977, our principal walked into my classroom while I was teaching and, in front of everyone, handed me my contract for the upcoming year. “I need it back by 4:00 p.m. today,” he said.
I was struck with fear of being forced to make such a consequential decision so quickly! I gave my students some busy work and consulted my Bible. I prayed, then searched the Scripture for the Lord’s direction.
Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything.
While it does not make sense to anyone else but me, that verse might as well have said, “Patti, move to Houston.” That very day, I told my principal I was moving and never looked back.
I can say that following James 1:5 in asking for God’s wisdom, He answers. It might not be the way one might envision or in the timeline preferred, but God loves us so much and has so much compassion on us that He always answers at just the right time.
HOW TO ATTAIN WISDOM
Ask for wisdom—not human understanding, but divine wisdom from God’s Holy Spirit.
Make it a habit to cleanse yourself from all known sins.
Trust in God’s word to guide you as you seek His wisdom, then
Trust that God’s wisdom will change your life.
God makes wisdom attainable to us. My charge is for you to follow the steps above and always recall this Godly pericope from James 1:5-8.
PRAYER
My dear Lord, when I am fearful to ask You for help, understanding, or wisdom, guide me by Your Holy Spirit, to You—to trust You and have faith. I want to live my life fully attuned to Your will and ways, but sometimes I fail. Please give me the courage to ask for wisdom in faith to be stable in all my ways. Amen.
BIBLE VERSES
Wisdom and Understanding—King David said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His Commandments; His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10).
Faith—Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to” (Matthew 17:20b).
Stability—Paul said, “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5).
Freely Given–Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:7)
God Bless,
¹”Pericope.” Dictionary. Accessed December 12th, 2021. https://www.lexico.com/definition/pericope.
Edited by E. Johnson.
Linked Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible.
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In Chapters 1 and 2 of 1 Samuel, a touching story expresses Hannah’s complete dedication toward God. Elkanah was the husband of two women—Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. Every year when the two women accompanied their husbands to the temple to worship and sacrifice, Hannah would weep because Peninnah would provoke her due to her having no children. Being oppressed in spirit one year, Hannah prayed and wept bitterly and made a vow that if the Lord gave her a son, she would let Him have the child for service. The priest Eli heard her prayer. He mocked her and accused her of being intoxicated. However, when he saw that she was afflicted and not drunk, he said, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him” (1 Sam. 1:17). In due time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son which she and Elkanah named Samuel. Hannah said, “For this boy, I prayed, and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD” (1 Sam. 1:27-28). After weaning him, they brought the boy to Eli to serve in the house of the Lord.
Hannah’s Distress
In this Bible story, we see that Hannah was distressed. She prayed, cried out to the LORD, made a vow, listened to what Eli told her, trusted God, conceived, had a son, and remembered her vow to give her first child to the Lord for service by bringing him to Eli. Hannah started by worshiping the LORD in the temple, but we see it more profoundly after she dedicated Samuel to serve.
In her beautiful Song of Thanksgiving and Worship, we read:
My heart exults in the LORD,
My horn is exalted in the LORD,
My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Thy salvation.
There is no one holy like the LORD,
Indeed, there is no one besides Thee,
Nor is there any rock like our God (1 Sam. 2:1-2).
Hannah’s Worship
Because worship is unique to every individual, Hannah’s worship experience was not like Abraham, Jacob, Isaiah, or Mary of Bethany. However, we see Hannah using elements from each of them in her worship of the LORD, as stated in Real Worship: Playground, Battleground, or Holy Ground by Warren Wiersbe. For example, she conversed with God (like Abraham), she made a vow (like Jacob), she heard Eli speak (like Isaiah listened to the angels), and she gave her best to the LORD—Samuel (like Mary of Bethany gave perfume). ¹ Furthermore, she trusted in the promise of God when Eli said. “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him” (1 Sam. 1:17).
There are multiple reasons we know she worshiped God. First, she approached the LORD with an honest and sincere heart. Second, she had a focused purpose in communicating her desire to God. Third, she waited for God with a humble attitude; we see that by Hannah’s initial deep cries in the house of God that worship filled her heart even before her prayer of thanksgiving. Fourth, Hannah centered her life on God and His power by pouring her entire being to the LORD. Hannah’s ultimate blessing included her transformation from a barren woman to a child-bearing mother. After she conceived and weaned Samuel, her worship prayer included:
-An exalted heart,
-A mouth speaking boldly against enemies,
-A rejoicing in her salvation, and
-An acknowledgment that there is no one besides God.
Our Experiences
In today’s context, Christians can worship as Hannah did. Many times, when people experience trauma and distress, they give up on the LORD. They are not patient enough to wait on Him to work. Being impatient can diminish confidence in the Holy Spirit leading one’s life. However, every believer who yearns to empty himself of sin and live for Christ can worship like Hannah. We must continually train our church congregants to know what to do at all stages of their lives. We might not be going to the temple to worship, but we can go to church. We might not be experiencing barrenness, but we are experiencing something. We might not get our prayers answered as Hannah did, but we can trust that God knows the big picture of our lives, and He knows what He is doing.
Prayer:
O, dear heavenly Father, may my life seek Your will. May I feel at home with You enough to share both my distress and hearts’ desires? I seek Your wisdom. I give my life to You. Let me do all that is honorable in Your sight now and for the rest of my life. In Your name—the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Bible Verses:
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth (Matthew 6:24)
Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker (Psalm 95:6)
For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36).
God Bless,
Edited by E. Johnson
¹Wiersbe, Warren. Real Worship:Playground, Battleground, or Holy Ground? 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004. p. 82.
Bible verses come from The New American Standard Bible.
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Any child of the 1960s will recognize those words, intoned from a clandestinely placed tape recorder each week as Jim Phelps calmly accepted one dangerous and logistically challenging assignment after another on the ironically titled TV spy series “Mission: Impossible”.
Phelps always accepted the mission, and never failed in his efforts!
We as Christians are given the Great Commission by Jesus Christ, a “mission” He urges us to accept. Like on the TV show we have great latitude in determining where, when and how we undertake this objective, as well as who will help with bringing it about.
Our success rate will probably be less than 100%, at least in our estimation, but the important thing is that we, at some point, in some way, “accept the mission”. – Ed.
Off to Belize City, Belize
In 1989, I boarded a plane with my husband and off we went from Houston, Texas on our first mission trip to Belize City, Belize, Central America. Our sleeping arrangements involved single bunk beds on a cement floor in the dank basement of a missionary couple’s home. Roaches flew by as I tried to fall asleep, and I recall the exact words I said to my husband: “How in the world could you take me to this God-forsaken place?” Of course, as I look back, it was mostly the cockroaches that invoked this question, which was more a declaration of my mental state at the time.
As I think about my comment, I realize that missions and evangelism are all about bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to “God-forsaken places” like this one but with my first experience, I could not get beyond the “cockroach mentality” and my disdain for the creatures. Fortunately, in time, I was blessed by many of the lovely people I met on my subsequent trips to Belize. Praise God!
Bible Verse
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) implores us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
While some are called to give up money and their livelihood to follow the Great Commission, others will be called to a different mission, purpose, or place. What is important is to seek out God’s individual plan for our lives, and to obey His direction at every stage.
From a United States Citizen’s Perspective
As a resident of the United States, it is sometimes difficult to even imagine the poverty some people live in daily in other parts of the world. It is hard to conceive of worshipping in a run-down shack without air conditioning or sanitation. A.W. Tozer, a self-taught theologian, and a fearless preacher said, “Evangelical Christianity is now tragically below the New Testament standard. Worldliness is an accepted fact of our way of life. Our religious mood is social instead of spiritual.” ¹ We are now seeing churches sporting cafés, movie theaters, gymnasiums, and even local fashion shows.
For those reading this who are from an “advanced” country, have you ever considered that the reason we have been blessed with such relative abundance may be so that we can give generously to the cause of evangelism, rather than to our pleasures and wants? While many are trusting God in total dependency in living out their calling, so many others (even believers) have little regard for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have become so “ME-centered” that the Lord hardly even seems present in their lives other than an occasional church service or a cursory glance at the Bible.
Satan’s Perspective
It is important to remember that Satan does not want us to be involved in any missionary or evangelical endeavor. Period! His desire is for us to either stay neutral on the subject or to become more centered in our own lives so that they revolve around us, and what makes us happy, rather than around the lives of others.
Sometimes those in mission work get so discouraged seeing so few showing an interest in their Christian beliefs or evangelism. This is another way our enemy seeks to degrade work done for the Kingdom, by attacking not only the missionary (through discouragement) but the supporter as well (through apathy, sloth and other distracters).
God’s Purpose
Regardless, God’s purposes will always be fulfilled. Even today, we can see the Holy Spirit operating around the world in many different nations. Many are coming to accept Christ where the Gospel has never been preached before. Salvations are occurring despite witchcraft, demonic influences, and secular rites and rituals. People are accepting Jesus Christ despite the fear of imprisonment, the fear of beheading, and the fear of being ostracized.
It is happening because of the prayers of believers. Maybe you are praying for a missionary, a specific country, a mission trip, or donating to help others participate in the Great Commission. If so, you are part of a wonderful opportunity by allowing the Holy Spirit to use you in His work.
As we pray for souls to be saved, let us remember the profound words of South African writer, teacher, and Christian pastor Andrew Murray. In Pray for the World, Murray is quoted saying, “Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think.” ² God does work in mysterious ways!
Advancing the Cause of Jesus Christ
Below are some ideas on how we can advance the cause of Jesus Christ. They are listed in alphabetical order, but all are worthy of equal consideration to the same degree.
Adopt and pray for a country. Ask the Lord for the Holy Spirit to seek out the lost and lead them to Him;
Be obedient to whatever or wherever the Lord leads;
Befriend a person(s) from a different culture or country;
Have a “missions fair” at your church.
Participate in a mission trip – local or foreign;
Provide mission-centered training in your church or organization;
Research your country. Learn as much as you can about the culture, land, religion, livelihood, population, ethnic groups, economy, literacy, languages, education, and more. [This is a nice family activity to do.]
Seek out opportunities for involvement.
What Happened Because We “Accepted The Mission”
Because we accepted the Great Commission and journeyed to Belize, we were able to be witnesses for Jesus Christ to the Belizean people. My husband John, our three children (ages 8, 6 and 4 at the time) and I spent our time in the Central American nation becoming lifelong friends with our hosts, Pastor Tony of Punta Gorda Baptist Church and his family, as well as other members of the local community. Fortunately, we still communicate with Tony’s adult children to this day.
John preached his first sermon there. I helped design the layout for a bookstore. Most importantly, John worked with the Southern Baptist Mission Board and trained Tony in the process of him becoming a fully-ordained pastor.
We ministered to Tony and his family well beyond that trip to Belize. When Tony developed kidney disease due to his uncontrollable diabetes, we let him stay at our home in St. Louis. Later, John arranged for him to get into a program at a downtown Houston hospital. At the time, dialysis was unavailable in Punta Gorda, and as a result, he had to travel regularly the 167 miles to Belize City for treatment, so we brought Tony here to the United States for more focused medical care.
Remember what I said earlier about the reason for having abundance is to share it with others? Recall that Luke tells us, “everyone to whom much was given, of [Him] much will be required. (Luke 12:48 ESV). We gave Tony and his family cars. We paid for their youngest daughter’s high school education. Some people might call my telling you this “braggy”, but I simply say it’s the kind of thing our Lord expects of us.
In sustaining the pastor and his family, we, in fact, supported the spreading of the Word by removing obstacles and distractions which would otherwise have hindered its free flow. That, above all other blessings we have been able to provide, is the most enduring.
Sadly, diabetes ended up taking Tony’s life, but his desire and work to bring the Word of God to the people of Belize lives on.
What I Learned on Our Mission Trips to Belize
Going to Belize was my first mission trip. It was “eye-opening“—except when I closed my eyes to avoid those huge cockroaches at night. I learned I could do without my eyeliner and my eyelet bedspread.
But what I couldn’t avoid was the eyesore of poverty that confronted me every day. After urinating in a dirt hole in the ground, I was thankful for an outside toilet. After watching seven-and eight-year-old boys steal in order to purchase food, I was thankful we had enough to feed our own children. After seeing the native Belizeans shop at different grocery stores based on their political parties, I was thankful for our relatively stable public life in this country.
Secure in Their Faith
However, what amazed me the most was that the native Christians I met were solid and secure in their faith. They possessed a faith that I had never seen before. Their walk with the Lord was so evident by the fruits in their life, i.e. love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). I saw that they HAD TO depend on their relationship with God to sustain them for food, water, shelter, and more.
The churches we visited had pastors that cared that people accepted the gift of salvation. They preached with a firm voice as if it might be their last time to preach—and knowing the violence that surrounded them (at least in Belize City), any preaching experience very well could have been their last!
In all, my husband John has made ten trips to Belize. I myself have been along on three of those journeys. We keep “accepting the mission”, because, as long as there are unsaved people walking the Earth, it never ends…
Conclusion
Evil is abounding right now in every corner of the world. Let’s increase our faith, shape our Christian ministries, and pray sincerely for the Holy Spirit to be a mighty force in reaching the world for Christ. And let’s remind ourselves that God desires salvation for ALL people – even those in “God-forsaken” countries!
Bible Verses:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17)
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:11-14)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus. Thank you for my salvation through Jesus Christ. Lord, please soften my heart so I am more sensitive to the eternal and spiritual needs of others. Let me pray for the Holy Spirit to gently guide me to the purposes and callings You have already planned for me. Provide opportunities for me to see through Your eyes and give me the courage and willingness to respond. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Central Houston Inspirational Writers Alive! Associate Member; BibleGateway Blogger, Member; SBC, Church Member
² Murray, Andrew. “Andrew Murray Quote about #Everything, #Beware, #Prayer, Unbelief.” All Christian Quotes. Web. Accessed 7 Oct 2019. https://www.allchristianquotes.org/quotes/Andrew_Murray/141/
New American Standard Bible.BibleGateway.com. Web. 16 Oct 2019.
All Bible verses are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
Bible Gateway Bloggers
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Patti Greene is a fun-loving (but serious) coffee drinking wife, mom, and Grammi! She serves as a Bible teacher and Sunday School helper in her home church where her husband also teaches in Katy, Texas. She writes and speaks with the sole purpose of leading and maturing others in Jesus Christ and His everlasting love. To receive blogs from GreenePastures.org delivered straight to your email, please email her at Patti@GreenePastures.org with your email address, and you will be added to the email listing. You will need to confirm your decision to be added to the blog by email. You can also catch up with her on her Twitter feed at (@PattiGreene13) or her Facebook Patti Greene-Pastures page at (https://www.facebook.com/author.greene).
Have you ever put thought into how much you appreciate the Word of God? Or, have you ever prayed to thank God for His Word or for the numerous benefits we receive from it? The writer of Psalm 119 certainly did.
With its 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. Many people attribute this Psalm to David although the author is not revealed.
The writer had an incredible appreciation for the Word of God. Throughout the Psalm, he uses many words to describe the Word of God, including; word, law, statutes, precepts, testimony, ordinances, commandments and judgments. All in all, the word of God is mentioned in at least 171 of the 176 verses.
It is evident by a few verses in this Psalm that the writer was dealing with some trials in his life.
Verses 86+87 “They persecute me wrongfully, Help me. They almost made an end of me on the earth.”
Verse 143 “Trouble and anguish have overtaken me.”
Verse 150 “They draw near who follow after wickedness”
Verse 157 “Many are my persecutors and my enemies.”
Although we find him in the midst of trials, he continues to live a life of faith as he leans on the Word for comfort, guidance, hope and more. He reveals trial and trust, seamlessly, one after another as though for him they were part of the same package. In verses 87-88 he says, “They almost made an end of me on earth (talking about his enemies), but I did not forsake Your precepts. Revive me according to Your lovingkindness . . . ”
Trials are inevitable; they are part of life. We often have no control over whether we will face certain trials. We do have control over how we respond to them. Sometimes we can get so caught up in a situation that our relationship with the Lord suffers. This writer didn’t let that happen.
How do you respond to trials? There is much we can learn about journeying through the storms of life by reading Psalm 119. I encourage you to read it on your own and underline any sections which stand out to you. Read it slow enough to enjoy the beauty of the language the writer uses to express his love and appreciate for God and His word. Notice the depth of understanding he has for the importance of the Word in his life, it’s truly remarkable.
While I read the Psalm, I took note of the things the writer did in his own life while dealing with trials. There are things he did to find hope in the Word of God and we can apply these examples to our own difficult situations to find hope ourselves.
Here are just a few of the things I found the writer did. There are many more examples, but I’ve only listed some of them.
Take Time to Praise God Even in the Midst of Trials
When we praise God we are taking the focus off our situation and placing it on the Lord. This serves to glorify God and can also serve as encouragement to others as they see a trust in God during the storms of life.
Verse 7 “I will praise you with uprightness of heart.”
Verse 48 “My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments.”
Verse 54 “Your statutes have been my songs.”
Verse 111 “For they are the rejoicing of my heart.”
Verse 162 “I rejoice at Your word.”
Verse 171 “My lips shall utter praise.”
Do Not Forsake the Practice of Praying and Meditating on the Word
During trials, it is very easy to skip your scripture reading or prayer time. Don’t let this happen. Reading the Word brings comfort and peace, and it uplifts you and can encourage you.
Verse 15 “I will meditate on Your Word”
Verse 23 “But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.”
Verse 27 “So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.”
Verse78 “But I will meditate on Your precepts.”
Verse 148 “My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.”
Take Delight in and Hope on the Word
How exactly do we take delight in the Word? For me personally, this happens when I study a passage and apply it to my life. Or I delight in the Word, by having scripture posted around my home so I see it regularly and it encourages me on a daily basis.
Verse 70 “But I delight in Your law.”
Verse 74 “Because I have hoped in Your word.”
Verse 81 “But I hope in Your word.”
Verse 113 “But I love Your law.”
Memorize Scripture
Have scripture memorized so you can recall it when you most need it.
Verse 11 “Your word I have hidden in my heart.”
Continue to Share your Faith and God’s Word
Talk to others about God’s work in your life. Share scripture with others to encourage or bless them. This, in turn, will bless and encourage you as God’s Word saturates your life.
Verse 13 “With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth.”
Verse 172 “My tongue shall speak of Your word.”
Be Careful Not to Backslide. Make Corrections When You Find Yourself Backsliding
Each and every person has certain things they struggle with. If you find yourself swaying off course in your walk with the Lord make corrections immediately.
Verse 59 “I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies.”
Verse 69 “But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.”
Verse 101 “I have restrained my feet from every evil way.”
Verse 157 “Yet, I do not turn from Your testimonies.”
Shelley Jarl, author of “The Humidity Makes My Hair Frizz and It’s Really Starting to Stink in Here”, is a mom, Christian, entrepreneur, business owner, author, and lover of all things creative. She strives every day to embrace the abundant life God has given her. As a self-proclaimed warrior, she has put on the armor of God numerous times to overcome tremendous adversity in her life. She can be found living down the end of a ridiculously long driveway, in the mountains of New Hampshire. As proof of her insanity, she owns Weimaraners. But, most importantly, she is a sinner saved by a loving Savior, Jesus.
Shelley can be found online at www.becauseliada.com where she encourages people to find their God-given adventure, whatever that looks like for them and live out the abundant life God intended. She can also be found at www.faithfulbloggers.com where she helps Christians connect and get equipped to impact the world with their faith story.
Thank you, Shelley, for sharing these words of wisdom with us.
God Bless.
Bible Verses
But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the wordofGod and observe it.” (Luke 11:28)
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. (Romans 1:8)
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12)
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please give me a heart that is pleasing to you. Give me faith, Give me a desire to study Your word. Give me hope. Thank you for being who you are. I love You. In Jesus’ Name.
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